Key facts
Duration
2 years part-time
Note: this course is only available part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
As demand grows for highly skilled nurses in critical care, Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing prepares you to take a leading role in the management of critically ill patients in intensive care and high dependency units.
You will study with one of the world’s leading nursing schools and be guided by experts in critical care as you explore advanced clinical practice, leadership and contemporary healthcare challenges. Build sophisticated skills in clinical judgement, communication and decision-making to support safe, high-quality patient care.
With flexible online delivery, you can continue working while you study. Extend your expertise through elective units that support leadership, education and advanced practice pathways, while strong industry partnerships enable immersive clinical learning across diverse healthcare settings.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H645
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 6 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course electives
- 1 credit point of open electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Year 1, Semester 1
Semester 2
Year 2, Trimester 1
Plus 1 from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university or two Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials).
Trimester 2
Plus 1 credit point of course elective from the list below
* These units are a semester based delivery
Year 1, Semester 2
Year 2, Semester 1
Trimester 2
Plus 1 credit point of course elective from the list below
Year 3, Trimester 1
plus 1 from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university or two Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials).
* These units are a semester based delivery
Students must complete 2 electives of which one must be from the list below:
Mix and match Deakin short courses (0.5 cp microcredentials) to earn up to 2 credit point(s) of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: February
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: June
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Clinical practice
To undertake this course you must independently secure employment of at least 24 hours per week in an intensive care setting within a collaborating hospital in Australia.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Workload
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting via CloudDeakin and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions or restrictions
- Evidence of secure, ongoing employment of at least 24 hours per week in a collaborating hospital within Australia, working in a relevant speciality practice area with appropriate clinical supervision.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
As the specialisation pathways courses are offered collaboratively between the University and a range of partnership/collaborating hospitals, student selection into the course is a joint process. Students must independently apply for and seek permanent employment within a collaborating hospital to support and provide a sound clinical learning environment for the clinical program requirements of the course.
Applicants are required to complete an Applicant Declaration form to be uploaded with their application.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$29,400 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Applicant declaration
Applicants must complete the Applicant declaration as part of their application.
Pathways
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing, students have the option to further their studies by articulating into the below course:
H771 Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
With job growth of 13.7% projected for registered nurses and 13.6% for nurse managers by 2030,* there is an industry demand for nurses with sophisticated specialty skills. Our Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing will allow you to meet that demand in a variety of roles across advanced practice, leadership, management and education including:
- ICU nurse
- associate or unit manager
- clinical nurse specialist
- clinical nurse educator.
**2025 Employment Outlook - for the five years to November 2030, Australian Government National Skills Commission
Professional recognition
Nurses employed under the Victorian public hospital award receive a higher duties allowance for postgraduate qualifications relevant to their practice.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate advanced clinical practice commensurate with intensive care nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person-centred care. |
| Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe nursing care to patients in the intensive care setting. |
| Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant intensive care information to patients and/or the multidisciplinary team. |
| Identify, analyse and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform clinical decision making in the intensive care setting. |
| Apply advanced nursing knowledge to complex problems in the intensive care setting to optimise patient outcomes. |
| Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection, and personal autonomy as an intensive care nurse. |
| Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships with all members of the multidisciplinary team. |
| Demonstrate accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural, and environmental contexts. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
